community survey for the batavia park district · 6%. 5%. 16%. 15%. 12%. 15%. 29%. 28%. 22%. 22%....

1

COMMUNITY SURVEY FOR THE BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT

FINAL REPORT: DECEMBER 2017

aQity Research & Insights

Evanston, IL

Research Methods

District-wide sample of n=761 households (476 online, 283 mail, 2 phone).

Data collection: September 30 through November 6, 2017.

Sample was weighted to match updated US Census data for Batavia and surrounding BPD households (by region, gender, age, ethnicity, and percentage of households with children).

Assuming no sample bias, the margin of error is +/- 3.5% (at the 95% confidence level) *.

* In addition to sampling error, question wording, respondent error, and practical difficulties in conducting surveys may introduce error or bias in any opinion poll.

2

Methods

Methods: Regional Distribution of Survey Respondents

3

Sample Demographics

Residents Know and Like the BPD (High Esteem Ratings)

4

10%

17%

13%

12%

10%

17%

13%

32%

24%

24%

17%

27%

22%

22%

21%

17%

34%

20%

36%

12%

Batavia Park District

Your Local Village/City Government

Batavia School District 101

Kane County Government

Esteem Ratings: Local Agencies

% Negative (0-4) % Neutral (5) % Somewhat Positive (6-7) % Very Positive (8) % Highest Regard (9-10)

Avg.(mean)

0-10 Rating

%Unfamiliar

7.3 5%

6.5 9%

7.2 18%

6.2 12%

Q2. Please rate your overall opinion of each group or agency in your community on a 0-10 scale (0=dislike completely, 5=neutral, 10=highest regard).

BPD Esteem

4%9%10% 8%7%9%

15%10%

25%17%6%

21%24%

24%

26%23%

19%22%

41%48%48%

36%34%

Bartlett PD(2014)

St. Charles PD(2016)

Kane/DuPageCo. PDs (2013)

StatewideBenchmark

(2013)

Batavia PD (2017)

Highest Regard (9-10)

Very Positive (8)

Somewhat Positive (6-7)

Neutral (5)

Negative Esteem (0-4)

BPD Esteem Ratings Are Very Strong, Yet Slightly Lag Benchmarks

5

80% Favorable

Avg. (mean) Rating:

82%

7.3 7.9

Batavia Park District Esteem Compared to Benchmarks

Q2. Please rate your overall opinion of each group or agency in your community on a 0-10 scale (0=dislike completely, 5=neutral, 10=highest regard).

87%

7.9

Batavia Park District Esteem

76% 82%

7.2 8.2

53%

17%

16%

7%

42%

18%

9%

7%

20%

10%

5%

7%

6%

4%

1%

Programs/Events (Net)

Youth programs specifically

Number/variety of programs

Events

Parks (Net)

Clean, well-maintained

Good parks, general

Good walking/biking trails

Staff/Administration (Net)

Friendly, Helpful

Good communications

Facilities (Net)

Cost/Fees (Net)

Access/Availability (Net)

Nothing at all I Like

Top Strengths (open-ended)

Offered Feedback

79%

No Feedback/

Not Familiar

21%

The District’s Biggest Strengths Are Its Programs and Events, Followed Closely By Its Parks

6

Feedback on Batavia Park District Strengths?

n = 605

Q3. What do you like most about the Batavia Park District, or what does it do particularly well? (most frequent multiple open-ended responses)

Batavia Park District Strengths

<1% (n=3 cases)

Among Those Offering Feedback on Dislikes/Suggested Improvements,Most Cite Facility Issues

7

34%

16%

8%

18%

13%3%

21%

9%

7%

22%

6%

4%

4%

18%

9%

17%

9%

4%

11%

7%

21%

Facilities (NET)

Need rec/fitness center

Facilities not well maintained/outdated

Pool-related facilities (Sub-Net)

Need indoor pool

Improve Hall Quarry

Parks/Paths (NET)

More/Better maintained paths

Poorly maintained parks

Management/Staff (NET)

Better communications re: programs

Inexperienced/Impolite staff

Too much waste/spending

Programs/Events (NET)

More/Better youth programs

Access/Availability (NET)

Improved class scheduling

Need better website

Cost/Fees/Taxes (NET)

Program fees too expensive

Nothing Negative At All/NA

Top Weaknesses/Improvement Opportunities

Offered Feedback

61%

No response39%

n = 466

Weaknesses/Improvements Sought From Batavia Park District

Batavia Park District Weaknesses

8%8%17%16%17%

32%

12%5%

14%20%

28%

20%20%

26%20%

17%

23%17%

18%18%

15%

37%41%

26%25%

Barlett PD(2015)

St. Charles PD(2016)

Kane/DuPageCos. (2013)

StatewideBenchmark

(2013)

Batavia ParkDistrict (2017)

Excellent (9-10)

Great Value (8)

Good Value (6-7)

Neutral (5)

Poor Value (0-4)

When Informed That BPD Represents 6% of Residents’ Property Taxes, Its Value is Rated “Good” (But Not “Great”) Overall.

8

63% Positive Value

Avg. (mean) Rating:

Q5. Approximately 6% of your property taxes goes to the Batavia Park District. Thinking about the programs, parks, facilities, and services that the Park District provides, please rate the overall value that it represents given its share of property taxes.

Perceived Value of Batavia Park District Relative to Property Tax Share

6.5

Batavia Park District Value

70%

6.7 7.5 6.5

80%

60%

78%

7.4

NOTE: 2013 Statewide survey referenced a 2% property tax share (averaged) for parks agencies statewide. St. Charles PD survey referenced a 7% share of property taxes, and Bartlett PD survey referenced a 4.5% share.

Nearly Half of Residents are Completely Satisfied with BPD Staff

9

7% 15% 12% 18% 47%Satisfaction with BPDStaff Service

Dissatisfied (0-4) Neutral (5) Slightly Satisfied (6-7) Very Satisfied (8) Completely Satisfied (9-10)

Avg. 0-10 Score

7.7

Q25. How satisfied are you with the level of service provided by Park District staff when you visit, call, or interact with them at a Park District park, facility or program? (On a 0 to 10 scale)

Satisfaction with BPD Staff (n=585 respondents)

Batavia PD Staff Satisfaction

Virtually All Households Report Using BPD Parks and Facilities In The Past Year, Usually Riverwalk and Engstrom Park.

10

n = 700

Yes92%

No8%

Used or Visited an Batavia Park District Park or Facility in Past 12 Months?

* All others used/visited by fewer than 5% overall.

BPD Park/Facility Usage

Visited or Used Facility/Park in Past 12 Months

% Reporting * (n=700)

Riverwalk 86%

Engstrom Family Park 46%

Big Woods Park 31%Clark Island Recreation Area (inc. Blackard Skate-n-Bike Park and Woodard Field) 29%

West Main (inc. Bark Park, Disc Golf Course) 28%

Memorial Park 27%

Prairie Path Park 25%

Prairie and Lathem Park 18%

FACILITIES

Peg Bond Center 39%

Hall Quarry Beach 35%

Batavia Depot Museum 26%

Eastside Community Center 25%

Civic Center 19%

Shannon Hall 14%

Lodge at Laurelwood Park 5%

11

4%

4%

5%

5%

6%

5%

16%

15%

12%

15%

29%

28%

22%

22%

45%

48%

58%

55%

Overall experience

Cleanliness, maintenance, andupkeep

Safety

Access (parking, paths,entrances/ exits)

Satisfaction with BPD Parks and Facilities (n=709 recent users/visitors who responded)

% Dissatisfied (0-4) % Neutral (5) % Slightly Satisfied (6-7) % Very Satisfied (8) % Completely Satisfied (9-10)

Avg. (mean) 0-10 Rating

8.1

8.2

8.5

8.4

Q9. Thinking about those parks and facilities you recently visited, please rate your overall satisfaction with the following (on a 0 to 10 scale). Values under 4% are not shown.

Batavia PD Park/Facility Satisfaction

Satisfaction with BPD Parks and Facilities Exceeds BPD’s Overall Esteem

Roughly 13% Report Issues/Offer Suggestions For Specific BPD Parks, Facilities

n=25

n=12

n=11

n=9

n=8

n=7

1

2

3

4

5

6

Top Responses• Dirty (n=4): trash, goose droppings• Want it cleared in winter (n=2)• All others n=1 each (broken fountain; more attention; safety concerns after dark, etc.)

Top Responses• Dog Park (n=5): Too far from parking lot, worried it will shrink; aggressive dogs• Disc Golf (n=2): Landscaping; easy to lose a disk

Top Responses• Parking lot (n=6): poor condition, too small• Old facility, needs upgrades (n=5)• Lack of F-T lifeguards, safety concerns (n=4)• Cloudy/sandy water quality (n=4)• Bathrooms (n=4): dirty, not clean• Water too cold (n=2) or prefer indoor pool (n=2)

12

Top Responses• Limited space/facility, lack of use (n=4)• All others n=1 each (dislike children’s area; no pool; limited parking, etc.)

Top Responses• Outdated, old, needs upgrades (n=4)• Parking lot in poor condition (n=2)

Batavia PD Park/Facility Usage

Hall Quarry Beach

Batavia Riverwalk

Civic Center

West Main Community Park

Eastside Community Ctr.

Clark Island Rec AreaTop Responses• Dirty, trash (n=4)• Flooded, muddy, ice on path (n=2)• All others n=1 each (e.g., East bridge seems neglected, unsafe trail with bikes, etc.)

Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Parks or Facilities (top responses, unweighted n of cases)

Trails and Open Space are Top Outdoor Recreational Needs

13

87%

70%

31%

23%

23%

22%

20%

18%

17%

Walking/Biking Trails

Natural Areas and Open Spaces

Exercise Stations Along Paths/Trails

Tennis Courts

Baseball/Softball Fields

Dog Park on East Side of Batavia

Community Garden Plots

Soccer/Lacrosse Fields

Other

Outdoor Facilities of Interest/Need Among Residents (% “Yes”)

Need/Interest in Outdoor Facilities

Q12. Which of the following outdoor facilities do you or your household have a need or interest in? (multiple responses)

Facility A

Facility B

Facility C

Facility D

Facility E

Facility F

Facility G

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

14

Quadrant Analysis: Determining if Demand for Facilities is Being Met

Exceeding Demand:Meeting low demand

Level of Demand (% Currently

Using/Interested In Using)

Degree of Meeting Demand/Need: % Saying Need is Being Met (on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand:High demand is being met

High Priority Needs: High demand not met

Low Priority Needs:Low demand not being met

Quadrant Analysis: District Amenities

15

Based on Gap Analysis, Top Demands For Trails and Open Space Are Being Met. Exercise Stations Along Trails Are an Opportunity.


Natural Areas/ Open Space

Exercise Stations Along Trails

Tennis Courts

Baseball/Softball Fields

Dog Park -East Side

Community Garden


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

U

sing

/Inte

rest

ed in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is Mostly/Completely Being Met (scores of 4+ on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Low Priority Needs

Leve

l of D

eman

d

Degree of Meeting Demand/Needs

Quadrant Analysis: Outdoor Facilities

16

No Outdoor Need Is Seen as Being “Completely” Met; Those Interested in Trails and Sports Fields Are Close To Feeling That Way


Natural Areas/ Open Space

Exercise Stations Along Trails Tennis

CourtsBaseball/Softball

Fields

Dog Park -East Side

Community Garden Soccer/Lacrosse

Fields

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

Usi

ng/In

tere

sted

in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is COMPLETELY Being Met (score of 5 on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Low Priority Needs

Leve

l of D

eman

d


Quadrant Analysis: Outdoor Facilities

17

39%

20%

10%

8%

5%

4%

4%

1%

9%


Natural Areas/Open Space

Dog Park on East Side of Batavia

Exercise Stations Along Paths/Trails

Tennis Courts

Community Garden Plots

Base-/Softball Fields


Other*

Top Priority: Most Important Outdoor Facility/Amenity For Batavia Park District To Provide/Expand/Improve

Q14. Which outdoor recreational facility do you think should be a top priority for the Batavia Park District to provide, add, or improve?

Top Outdoor Priority

Likewise, The Single Top BPD Priority for Outdoor Recreation Is Usually Trails or Natural Areas

Regarding Indoor Facilities, At Least Half Express A Need/Interest in an Indoor Track, Fitness Center, And Indoor Open Pool

18

55%

53%

50%

43%

38%

30%

30%

28%

23%

19%

7%

Indoor Running/Walking Track

Fitness Center with Exercise Machines/Free Weights

Indoor Open Pool for Swimming and Lessons

Indoor Pool with Lap Lanes

Program Space for Group Fitness/Yoga

Gym Courts for Basketball, Volleyball, etc.

Indoor Water Park/Splash Park

Indoor Warm Therapy Pool

Program Rooms for Wide Varieity of Uses*

Dedicated Space for Seniors

Other

Indoor Facilities of Interest/Need Among Residents (% “Yes”)

Need/Interest in Indoor Facilities

Q15. Which of the following indoor facilities do you or your household have a need or interest in?* (including meetings, programs, rentals, dance studios)

Indoor Track

Fitness Center

Indoor Open Pool

Pool with Lap LanesGroup Fitness/ Yoga Space

Gym Courts

Indoor Water/ Splash Park

Warm Therapy

Pool

Multi-Purpose Rooms


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Low Priority Needs

19

Biggest Indoor Facility “Gaps” Include Indoor Track, Fitness Center, and Open Pool

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

Usi

ng/In

tere

sted

in

Usi

ng)


Meeting High Demand

Leve

l of D

eman

d


Quadrant Analysis: Indoor Facilities

25%

19%

16%

13%

7%

5%

4%

3%

3%

3%

3%

Indoor Open Pool for Swimming and Lessons

Fitness Center with Exercise Machines/Free Weights

Indoor Running/Walking Track

Indoor Pool with Lap Lanes

Indoor Water/Splash Park

Gym Courts


Multi-Purpose Rooms*

Program Space for Group Fitness/Yoga

Indoor Warm Therapy Pool

Other Indoor Facilities

Top Priority: Most Important Indoor Facility/Amenity ForBatavia Park District To Provide/Expand/Improve

When Asked To Choose The Top Indoor Improvement, One In Four Cite a Need For Indoor Pool, Followed Closely by a Fitness Center and Track

20Q14. Which indoor recreation facility do you think should be a top priority for the Batavia Park District to provide, add, or improve?

Top Indoor Facility Priority

4%

4%

6%

6%

6%

6%

15%

16%

17%

23%

32%

50%

69%

Swimming

Dance

Preschool Programs

Kindergarten/Enrichment

Non-Athletic Adult Programs

Adult Athletic Programs

Non-Athletic Youth Programs

Other Events

Fitness/Exercise Programs

Hall Quarry Beach events

Youth Athletics/Sports

Summer Outdoor Concerts

Windmill City Festival

Top Responses: Recent Program/ Event Participation

Most Households Took Part In Recent BPD Event/Program; Windmill City Festival and Summer Concerts Are Most Popular

21

Yes70%

No 30%

Any household member participated in Batavia Park District

program/event in past year?

n =531

Park District Program Participation

BPD Event/Program Participants Are Very Satisfied

22

4% 13% 19% 22% 42%Overall Program/EventSatisfaction

Dissatisfied (0-4) Neutral (5) Slightly Satisfied (6-7) Very Satisfied (8) Completely Satisfied (9-10)

Avg. 0-10 Score

7.7

Q19. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Batavia Park District programs or events you have recently participated in? (on a 0 to 10 scale)

Satisfaction with Batavia Park District Programs and Events(n=556 recent program/event participants)

Batavia PD Program/Event Satisfaction

Nearly Half Express Interest in Fitness Programs and Activities on the River. At Least a Third Seek More Adult Programming

23

49%

44%

34%

21%

20%

19%

18%

15%

12%

11%

9%

Fitness and Exercise Programs

Fox River Activities *

Non-Athletic Adult Programs **

Athletics/Sports for Adults 18+

Non-Athletic Youth Programs (arts, robotics, etc.)

Youth Athletics/Sports for Ages 10 and Under

Programs for Active Adults and Seniors Age 60+

Pet Programs (trainings, parties, memorials)

Preschool Programs

Programs for Middle School Children ***

Full-Day Childcare During Weekdays

Programs/Events of Interest/Need Among Residents (% “Yes”)

Need/Interest in Programs and Events

Q21. Which of the following recreational programs or activities do you or your household have a need or interest in?* (kayak/paddleboard lessons or rentals, etc.)** (cooking, crafts/hobbies, dance, day trips, etc.)*** (summer camp, before-/after-school programs)

Low Priority Needs

24

Demand for Youth Programs In General Appears To Be Well Met; More is Sought for Adults, Fitness, and River Activities

Fitness/ ExerciseFox River

ActivitiesNon-Athletic

Adult Programs

Adult Sports

Non-Athletic Youth

Programs Youth Sports

Active Adult 60+ Programs

Pet ProgramsPreschool

Middle SchoolFull-Day Weekday

Child Care0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

Usi

ng/In

tere

sted

in

Usi

ng)


Meeting High Demand

Leve

l of D

eman

d


*Classes, sports, etc.

Quadrant Analysis: Programs

The Top Programming Opportunities (Single Choice) for the BPD Are River Activities and Fitness-Related, Followed by Programs for Adults

25

25%

24%

13%

8%

7%

6%

5%

4%

3%

3%

2%

Fox River Activities *

Fitness and Exercise Programs

Non-Athletic Adult Programs **

Programs for Active Adults and Seniors Ages 60+

Youth Athletics/Sports Ages 10 and Under

Non-Athletic Youth Programs (arts, robotics)

Athletics/Sports for Adults Ages 18+

Pet Programs (trainings, parties, memorials)

Programs for Middle School Children ***

Full-Day Childcare During Weekdays

Preschool Programs

Top Priority: Most Important Program/Event For Batavia Park District To Provide/Expand/Improve

Q23. Which of those programs/activities do you think should be a top priority for the Park District to provide, add, or improve?* (kayak/paddleboard lessons or rentals, etc.)** (cooking, crafts/hobbies, dance, day trips, etc.)*** (summer camp, before-/after-school programs)

Top Priority for Programs/Events

Avg. (mean) 0-10 Rating

8.1

7.9

7.0

6.7

5.4

26

Hall Quarry Beach Satisfaction

Hall Quarry Beach Visitors Are Very Satisfied With Overall Safety and Unique Facility

5%

7%

12%

17%

34%

7%

8%

16%

10%

13%

17%

16%

23%

27%

31%

16%

23%

19%

24%

9%

56%

47%

29%

23%

13%

Overall Safety and Lifeguards

Unique Setting and SwimmingExperience

Overall Value for the Cost

Water Quality

Water Temperature

Satisfaction with Hall Quarry Beach(n=334 who responded)

% Dissatisfied (0-4) % Neutral (5) % Slightly Satisfied (6-7) % Very Satisfied (8) % Completely Satisfied (9-10)

Q27. Thinking about your recent visits to Hall Quarry Beach, please rate your satisfaction with each of the following: (0-10 scale)

27

Most Recent Depot Museum Visit

Just Over a Quarter of BPD Households Report Visiting Depot Museum in Past Two Years; One in Three Have Never Visited

Never Visited Depot Museum,

34%

Visited Earlier This Year (2017),

17%

Last Year (2016), 11%

Visited 2+ Years Ago (2015 or earlier), 38%

Q30. When were you last inside the Depot Museum?

Depot Museum Visits

Strong Support for Indoor Rec Center and Keeping Depot Pond; Residents Are Divided on Other Improvements

28

Support/Oppose Potential Improvements

28%

24%

20%

10%

18%

29%

26%

25%

18%

7%

36%

34%

40%

42%

23%

7%

16%

15%

30%

52%

Expand West Main Community Park (more baseball and soccer fields,more parking, larger Bark Park)

Expand the Depot Museum (including a Batavia welcome center, spacefor traveling exhibits, storage, community rooms, multi-purpose

classrooms)

Renovate and expand the Eastside Community Center (includingimprovements to rooms for children's programs, expanded childcare

facility, making the gyms regulation size)

Preserve Depot Pond and implement a structural or mechanical solutionto keep it from draining (if the Fox River dam failes or is removed)

Build a facility to meet the community's indoor recreation needs(including an indoor pool, fitness center, track, gym, program space)

Strongly Opposed Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support

Willingness to Pay: Support/Oppose Possible BPD ImprovementsTotal %s

Oppose / Support

28% / 72%

25% / 75%

50% / 50%

45% / 55%

57% / 43%

Q28. Knowing that these could mean an increase in property taxes and/or higher program costs, please indicate your level of support or opposition to each potential Batavia Park District initiative.

Single Top Priority for BPD is Indoor Pool, With Depot Pond Improvements A Distant Second

29

Potential Improvements: Top Priority

Q29. Which one do you think should be a top priority for the Park District?

Potential Improvements Considered “Top Priority” (multiple responses)

17%

4%

4%

5%

20%

50%

None Are Priorities/No Answer

Expand West Main Community Park (more baseball and soccerfields, more parking, larger Bark Park)

Expand the Depot Museum (including a Batavia welcome center,space for traveling exhibits, storage, community rooms, multi-

purpose classrooms)

Renovate and expand the Eastside Community Center (includingimprovements to rooms for children's programs, expanded

childcare facility, making the gyms regulation size)

Preserve Depot Pond and implement a structural or mechanicalsolution to keep it from draining

(if the Fox River dam fails or is removed)

Build a facility to meet the community's indoor recreation needs(including an indoor pool, fitness center,

track, gym, program space)

Few Offered Suggestions For Improved BPD Communications; Those Who Did Clearly Prefer More/Improved Digital Information

30

55%

18%

15%

12%

9%

4%

26%

7%

8%

6%

4%

10%

8%

6%

5%

More Digital Communications (NET)

Email Blasts/Alerts

Social Media

Improved BPD Website

Email Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter

Text Messages

USPS Mail (NET)

Fun Guide

General Mailings

Flyers/Postcards

Printed Newsletter

Other Responses:

More Advertising (press, events)

More feedback (surveys)

Printed/Online Newsletter(s)

Community Information Meetings

Q32. How could the Park District improve its communication efforts? (multiple open-ended responses)

Most Frequent Suggestions for BPD Communications (n=218 respondents)

Suggested Improvements: BPD Communications

Yes/Gave Response

29%

Satisfied/No Suggestions

28%

No Response

43%

n = 218

Suggested Improvements for BPD Communications?

A Majority Seek BPD Information From The Program Guide (69%) and Website (58%), But The Program Guide is Their “Go-To” Source for Info

31

44%

29%

8%

6%

5%

2%

2%

4%

BPD Printed Program Guide

BPD Website

Neighbors of Batavia Magazine

City of Batavia (website, visit)

Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Emails from BPD

Call BPD Main Office/Facility

Other Sources (<2% each)

Q34. What is your preferred source of information about the Batavia Park District?

Preferred Sources for Batavia PD Information

Preferred BPD. Information Channel

community survey for the batavia park district · 6%. 5%. 16%. 15%. 12%. 15%. 29%. 28%. 22%. 22%....

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